Records of prisoners of war

Information held by ICRC

Part of the humanitarian work of the ICRC involves gathering information on individuals who are prisoners of war and, in recent years, on those who have been separated from their families by conflict or disaster. This information can then be used to put family members in touch.

In the case of prisoners of war, it can also ensure that accurate attestation can be provided, if necessary, to give ex-prisoners of war documentary evidence of their imprisonment. Today, this humanitarian work continues as prisoners are taken and communities continue to be disrupted by conflict.

Searching for records

Searching for the records of an individual prisoner of war is a complex and skilled task, carried out by staff within the archives division and research service of the ICRC.

Archives division and research service
International Committee of the Red Cross
19 Avenue de la Paix
Geneva CH-1202
Switzerland

A search will be made on receipt of a written request. Please be sure to provide as much detail as possible. It is essential that you include the name and nationality of the individual you are enquiring about.

The following information, if known, is also extremely helpful to their search:

date of birth

place of birth

name of father

date of capture

regiment

army number.

Researchers should bear in mind that these records were compiled for humanitarian reasons. The ICRC is still fully occupied with similar humanitarian work in the present day. Searches of a historical nature may therefore take a considerable time to complete.